The StormBreaker is an advanced, air‑launched precision weapon designed to strike moving and stationary targets in all weather and visibility conditions. It uses a tri‑mode seeker (millimeter‑wave radar, imaging infrared, and semi‑active laser) to detect, classify, and track targets through darkness, bad weather, smoke, or dust, giving pilots greater flexibility and accuracy in combat. Its relatively small size and long range allow fewer aircraft to neutralize targets from standoff distances, reducing risk to aircrews. The weapon is fielded on several US aircraft, including the F‑15E Strike Eagle and F/A‑18E/F Super Hornet, and is being integrated on the F‑35 family. RTX writes:

The U.S. Navy has approved Raytheon’s StormBreaker® smart weapon for operational use on the F/A-18-E/F Super Hornet strike fighter. Raytheon is an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business.

StormBreaker is the only operational smart weapon that can engage moving and stationary targets in both fair and adverse weather conditions, at land or at sea. Its compact size allows a single aircraft to engage more surface targets than previously possible. The weapon can also fly to strike mobile targets, reducing the amount of time that aircrews spend in harm’s way.

“The Super Hornet plays a critical role in the Navy’s air combat strategy and equipping it with StormBreaker increases the aircraft’s lethality by enabling precision strike in all weather conditions,” said Sam Deneke, president of Air & Space Defense Systems at Raytheon. “StormBreaker’s accuracy and versatility gives operators the upper hand in the most degraded environments, ensuring they can complete the mission and return home safely.”

In 2023, the Super Hornet became the first U.S. Navy aircraft to carry StormBreaker. It has had exceptional performance in combat on the aircraft.

StormBreaker is approved for use on the F-15E and the F/A-18-E/F Super Hornet, and is currently being integrated on the F-35A/B/C.

Read more here.